What are the most commonly outsourced engineering roles? While telemarketing, telesales, bookkeeping, accounting, customer service, and even admin tasks have increasingly been outsourced the past several years, engineering is not that far behind. In fact, engineering outsourcing has grown by leaps and bounds in just the last couple of years and is steadily growing.

And just like other services, there are certain engineering roles that are more in demand than others, obviously, because of their value in the market. Read on to find out what are the most commonly outsourced engineering roles.

Mechanical Engineering

Generally, mechanical engineers design power-producing machines, like generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines, as well as power-using machines, such as refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. In addition, mechanical engineers design other machines inside buildings, such as elevators and escalators.

It is a good idea to outsource mechanical engineering services especially if the outsourcing vendor can provide expert engineers who are skilled in analyzing, designing, and maintaining all kinds of mechanical systems. In addition, a reputable engineering-outsourcing provider will make sure that they have complied with international standards, have stringent security measures and quality processes, and that their mechanical engineers are well-versed in working with the tools and software required to do their job.

Civil Engineering

Civil engineering is a broad field, but generally civil engineers conceive, design, build, supervise, operate, construct, and maintain infrastructure projects and systems in the public and private sector. These projects would include roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage treatment.

Majority of the civil-engineering jobs that are outsourced include construction drawings, HVAC services, land development design services, MEP design, paper-to-CAD conversion, and more.

What makes civil engineering ideal for outsourcing is that the core jobs associated with it can readily be done by a remote professional thousand of miles away. This is one of the main reasons that it’s one of the most commonly outsourced engineering roles.

As with other outsourced engineering roles, however, a company looking to outsource civil engineers should make sure that the outsourcing firm is reputable and that the team of engineers who will tackle the projects at hand are aware of the best business practices.

Structural Engineering

Structural engineering is actually a branch of civil engineering, and needless to say, its applications are diverse. Much of what structural engineers do include designing structures such as buildings, bridges, tunnels, and the like. The majority of structural engineers primarily work as consultants to design-build contractors or architects.

A lot of outsourcing firms nowadays have the wealth of knowledge and resources to outsource structural engineering services. These services include structural design and drafting, structural fabrication drawing, structural steel detailing, structural shop drawing, and more. But perhaps most importantly, what you should look for in an outsourcing services provider, should you decide to tap one for structural engineering services, is that their structural engineers strictly adhere to industry-defined best practice. This will ensure that you’re getting the highest-quality service.

Architectural Services

Architectural services are so closely tied to engineering, which is why they are included here. Architectural services include design, preparation of construction documents, and construction administration. Architects also provide a wide variety of services including feasibility studies, architectural programming and project management.

It’s no surprise that architectural projects are some of the most labor-intensive and time-consuming projects there is, which is why it’s a good idea to outsource architectural services. Many firms around the world have realized the value of outsourcing architectural services mainly because more manpower can get the job done quickly and bring in more profits.

One thing to bear in mind, however, before deciding to tap an outsourcing firm for architectural services is that expertise is key. Before signing a contract, make sure that the vendor has a ready and dedicated team of experts well-versed in the ins and outs of architectural and engineering processes to ensure that your projects are delivered well and on time.

Electrical Engineering

An electrical engineer is someone who designs and develops new electrical equipment, solves problems, and tests equipment. Electrical engineers work with all kinds of electronic devices, from the smallest pocket devices to large supercomputers. On a larger scale, an electrical engineer actually designs, builds, and maintains electrical control systems, machinery, and equipment. Electrical engineering is actually a very broad field in that electrical engineers work in transport networks, lighting, heating, ventilation, lift systems, power generation and distribution, renewable energy, manufacturing, and construction.